Latin America Reports

A new draft bill being readied for the Brazilian Congress would limit the permissible lead content in paint and coatings, in keeping with the region-wide effort to cut down on nominally high levels still in use by many manufacturers. The bill would u…

Puerto Rico’s devastated infrastructure in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria will require billions of dollars in materials and labor to repair and improve conditions. Paint and coatings manufacturers and suppliers are among the companies helping…

This is the second in a set of stories on strategies for growth in the Brazilian paint and coatings market. Part one appeared in the November issue, and examined new direct investments, distribution and logistics, and new technologies. This story wil…

Paint and coatings manufacturers and suppliers are adjusting their strategies for Brazil, preparing for an expected recovery in the market after a four-year slide. Among strategies being employed are new direct investments, expanded service and labor…

The implosion of Venezuela’s economy and the accompanying crash in foreign exchange has had a choking effect on manufacturers like paint and coatings leader Axalta, which was compelled to write down $70.9 million in local assets as of the…

International investors are responding positively to Peru’s strong growth record and its plans to rebuild after last winter’s devastating El Niño floods, which may require $9 billion in recovery funds over the next five years, acco…

Brazil may be starting to shake off the economic chill that permeated the country under the storm of corruption that culminated in the ousting of the last president. The automotive sector is warming, moreso in exports than domestic sales, and leading…

Brazil’s state oil company Petrobras has sold substantial development rights to France’s Total for $2.2 billion, following production doldrums in Brazil over the past year as oil prices have declined. Since Petrobras is the largest nation…

Kansas City-based Versaflex has expanded its footprint in South America through a co-marketing agreement with São Paulo-based Renner Coatings that will result in a new polyurea coating line brand, RenFlex, now being prepared for distribution.…

Colombia’s Grupo Orbis has begun the development of a domestic chain of Do-it-Yourself stores named Master Pro that will feature subsidiary Pintuco’s full line of paints and coatings. The independent Tiendas Pintuco paint store network wi…

PPG Renner is adding 30 new retail stores to its Brazilian distribution network this year, particularly in the South, adding to the estimated 90 stores previously in operation across the country. The company has also opened its first store in Montevi…

ChemSpec Ltd.’s recent announcement that it would set up its first Mexico subsidiary makes good on the company vow at the time of its 75 percent equity acquisition in 2015 that it was looking for expansion opportunities in the region. CHEMSPEC…

Despite sliding sales for paint and coatings in Latin America overall, PPG Comex is optimistic about sales in Mexico and Central America this year and for several years thereafter. In its third-quarter 2016 financial report, PPG’s notes on Lati…

Clariant is investing in new capacity for water-based pigments in Mexico, with an expected fourth-quarter start-up for a new plant.
“With the new production plant in Santa Clara, Clariant Mexico will double annual production capacity for water…

Peru’s demand for architectural paints should rise on increased demand by homeowners and from new construction.
Peru’s recent presidential election has reestablished a firm market-oriented future for the rapidly growing country. Ped…

Latin America’s relatively steady economic growth suggests that the regional demand for aviation coatings will more than double GDP expansion, predicted by the World Bank to be 1.0 percent this year and back to a more normal 2.3 percent next ye…

Buenos Aires-based Sinteplast is methodically increasing its footprint in Latin America to further develop its export market for paints and coatings made in the region. With the latest purchase of a Sulan, a small manufacturer in Brazil, the company…